Prospective Study of Psychosocial Distress and Perceived Social Support among Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy for CNS Tumours

Abstract

Background and aim: The lack of social support in patients undergoing radiotherapy for CNS tumours can lead to psychosocial distress (depression and anxiety), which often goes undiagnosed or unnoticed. It is our aim to analyse the social support by the patient’s family, friends, special person and psychosocial distress so as to assist patients in coping with treatment and improve their quality of life. Methods: In the study, all patients with CNS tumours who had radiotherapy indications were included. Patients were assessed for depression, anxiety and social support at their first radiotherapy session. They were reassessed again for depression and anxiety at the last day of radiotherapy completion and two months after radiotherapy in the first follow-up. We assessed social support through the MSPSS (multidimensional perceived social support) questionnaire and HADS (hospital anxiety depression scale) questionnaire were used to assess depression and anxiety. Results: The results of our study indicate that 56% of the population received high levels of social support, 34% received moderate support and 10% received low support. There is a statistically significant difference in terms of different age group wise and the social support they receive. (p < 0.05). An initial incidence of borderline depression population was increased from 28% to 53%, then decline to 32%. The incidence of depression was initially 18% population and then increased to 47%. On follow-up there were no signs of depression. An initial incidence of borderline anxiety of 46% population, later dropped to 44%, followed by a continuation of the same 46%. Initially, there were 20% of population reported anxiety then it increased to 56% and on follow-up there had been no signs of anxiety. There is a statistically significant difference in terms of different age group wise and the level of psychosocial distress (depression and anxiety). (p < 0.05). Conclusion: We found in our study that most CNS tumour patients managed to perceive high social support, especially from their families. However, if we consider friends and special person support, we find that more than 50 years age group population do not receive adequate support. Significant numbers of patients in this study were borderline depressed and anxious even before they began radiotherapy. Depression and anxiety are more intense after completing radiotherapy and then decrease when patients come for their first follow-up. As part of cancer treatment social support and depression, anxiety should be assessed and treated as needed.